Gaming Guru

Tipping Blackjack Dealers

Blackjack dealers depend on tokes or tips as a big part of their total income. The mechanics of tipping are easy and can also be very important to you as a player.

There are three ways to tip a dealer. One, during the game you can simply push a chip over to the dealer and say "that's for you." Another way is to tip as you leave the game. The third way is to place an additional chip, half in and half out of your betting spot, facing the dealer. It's also a good idea to do it while you are still involved in playing. You now have two wagers at your spot, one being yours and the other for the dealer. On the next round, if you win, you receive chips equal to your bet and more importantly the dealer also gets a win equal to the amount you had placed above your spot. If you should lose the hand, both wagers go into the tray.

Generally, if you win or lose, the dealer will acknowledge and appreciate your effort by saying something like "thanks for the bet" or "thanks for the try". Doing it this way is better because you are trying to establish a working relationship with the dealer. You are now known as a "George", a good player who tips and one who should be taken care of.

How can a dealer take care of you? Sometimes a dealer will deal one more round before shuffling, if the previous rounds have been favorable to you. Other times a dealer might question your action by saying something like "don't you want to split those 8s?" I've also seen dealers hesitate before passing me, indicating he wants me to hit my hand instead of standing, which might be a better move.

The whole idea of tipping this way is to establish a good relationship that results in you and the dealer, facing the house, verses you playing against both the dealer and the house. When playing blackjack you want the dealer on your side, and tipping the correct way will help.

John Marchel is an author, speaker, teacher and player -- what John plays are casino games. He’s been a casino player for over 25 years and has played successfully in Europe, Panama, the Caribbean, Canada, Atlantic City, Las Vegas, on Indian reservations, cruise ships and in over 350 casinos throughout the US. He is also the author of six books about gambling, and has written numerous magazine articles and is currently a columnist for three gambling magazines and one internet magazine.

Since 1988 John has combined his experience as a manager, teacher and player to present seminars and lectures about gambling. In addition, John has had an Internet website since 1995 that offers books, special reports and tips about gambling. He also publishes a monthly Internet gambling newsletter. The newsletter keeps subscribers alert to trends, information and winning techniques that allows them to be more successful when visiting casinos.

Books by John Marchel:

John Marchel is an author, speaker, teacher and player -- what John plays are casino games. He’s been a casino player for over 25 years and has played successfully in Europe, Panama, the Caribbean, Canada, Atlantic City, Las Vegas, on Indian reservations, cruise ships and in over 350 casinos throughout the US. He is also the author of six books about gambling, and has written numerous magazine articles and is currently a columnist for three gambling magazines and one internet magazine.

Since 1988 John has combined his experience as a manager, teacher and player to present seminars and lectures about gambling. In addition, John has had an Internet website since 1995 that offers books, special reports and tips about gambling. He also publishes a monthly Internet gambling newsletter. The newsletter keeps subscribers alert to trends, information and winning techniques that allows them to be more successful when visiting casinos.

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